Simple Steps to Buy Aquarium Gravel

Aquarium gravel is very important for your aquarium. Color and type of aquarium gravel you not only highlights your fish in your own unique style, but also gravel harbor beneficial bacteria that your aquarium. Type of gravel you choose depends on the type of fish and aquarium species you have.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Step 1
Pick common aquarium gravel for fish-only aquariums. Use fine gravel if you have bottom feeders in the tank. Sand is also appropriate to use in these tanks.

Step 2
Provide an environment for marine and reef wildlife in your aquarium with aragonite and crushed coral. In this kind of aquarium, it's important to have gravel with calcium and magnesium to help balance the pH level.

Step 3
Grow plants in your aquarium with two layers of gravel. The bottom layer should consist of vermiculite and laterite. These types of gravel actually store water and nutrients for your plants. A top layer of regular gravel or sand will prevent your plants' nutrients from washing out.

Step 4
Consider your personal style. Within the accepted guidelines of appropriate gravel, there are numerous options to pick and choose colors to match your style. Pick something that you can stick with because it takes a lot of effort to change your gravel once you have an established aquarium.

Tips & Warnings
Some popular types of gravel may be aesthetically pleasing, but their impurities make them inappropriate for use in your aquarium. Sea sand, painted gravel and glass pebbles can all have a detrimental impact on your aquarium.
Deep layers of gravel can pose a significant danger to your fish. Food particles can sink into a less oxygenated area. Over time, this can produce a rotten egg smell that can kill your fish.

Aquarium Gravel Cleaning

Did you know your aquarium gravel you've just bought to put in the aquarium have been in the wash first? Don't worry, it only takes a few simple steps.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 30 minutes
Here's How:

1. Purchase enough gravel to cover the aquarium bottom approximately three inches deep.
2. If you don't already have one, purchase a 5 gallon bucket and label it for aquarium use only. Aquarium buckets should never have soap in them.
3. Place a large clean sieve, at least 6 inches across, over the bucket. Fill the sieve half full of gravel.
4. Pour water over the gravel in the sieve, while gently shaking it. Rinsing the gravel over the bucket rather than over a drain, allows gravel that slips through the sieve to be caught instead of going down the drain. Continue pouring water over the gravel until the water runs clear. Several washings are usually required.
5. Once the water runs clear, the gravel is ready to be used. It may be placed directly into the tank or in a clean bucket or container.
6. Repeat steps three through five until you have washed enough gravel to fill the aquarium three inches deep.

Tips:

1. A rule of thumb for the amount of gravel to use is one pound of gravel per each gallon of water.
2. Old buckets may be used if they are thoroughly cleaned with bleach, rinsed well, and allowed to air dry.

What You Need:

• 6" or larger sieve
• 5 gallon bucket